CN111959250A

CN111959250A - Vehicle outer waist seal assembly

Info

Publication number: CN111959250A
Application number: CN202010400619.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: J·萨夫斯特伦
Original assignee: Volvo Car Corp
Current assignee: Volvo Car Corp
Priority date: 2019-05-20
Filing date: 2020-05-13
Publication date: 2020-11-20
Anticipated expiration: 2040-05-13
Also published as: US20200369139A1; US11110783B2; EP3741599A1; EP3741599B1; CN111959250B

Abstract

An outboard lap seal assembly (110) for a vehicle including an outer body panel (118), comprising: an elongated body structure (112) adapted to be disposed about an edge of the outer body panel and including an inner arm (112a) adapted to be disposed on an inner side of the outer body panel and an outer arm (112b) adapted to be disposed on an outer side of the outer body panel, the inner arm including a friction structure, lip, rail, channel, and/or aperture (150) disposed on or through an inner surface thereof; and a clip structure (152) adapted to be secured in a slot or aperture (154) defined adjacent an edge of the outer body panel and engage a friction structure, lip, rail, channel and/or aperture provided on or through an inner surface of an inner arm of the elongate body structure to secure the elongate body structure to the outer body panel.

Description

Vehicle outer waist seal assembly

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of automobiles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an outer lap seal assembly for a vehicle.

Background

For most vehicles, the area of the door, door frame or side panel where the sheet metal contacts the window is finished with an Outer Waist Seal (OWS). The outer lap seal is constructed of an elongated strip of rigid and/or flexible material that generally covers the edges (especially the top edge) of the thin sheet metal and abuts the window, bridging and sealing the gap between the thin sheet metal and the window and creating the final appearance. It is desirable that the outer waist seal can be installed by hand using a force of less than about 50N, but this is not typically the case, and the installer typically installs the outer waist seal with the use of a hammer or mallet, possibly damaging the outer waist seal and surrounding components. It is also desirable that the outer waist seal not loosen when bending is caused by relative movement of surrounding components due to vehicle motion and/or Ultraviolet (UV) heating and/or other causes. It is further desirable that the outer waist seal be relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

A conventional outer waist seal is shown in fig. 1 and 2. Generally, the outer waist seal 10 comprises an elongate body structure 12 fabricated from a rigid or semi-rigid polymeric material or the like. The elongated trim structure 14 is coupled to an exterior portion of the elongated body structure 12 and is made of a rigid or semi-rigid polymeric or metallic material or the like. The elongate seal structure 16 is coupled to an interior portion of the elongate body structure 12 and is made of a flexible or semi-rigid elastomeric or polymeric material or the like. The elongated trim structure 14 provides the final appearance of the vehicle, and the elongated seal structure 16 abuts the window of the vehicle, while the elongated body structure 12 bridges the gap 2 between the sheet metal panel 18 (fig. 2) of the vehicle and the window. Conventionally, the elongate body structure 12 includes an inner arm 12a and an outer arm 12b (fig. 2), the inner arm 12a and the outer arm 12b being disposed about an edge 18a (fig. 2) of the sheet metal plate 18. The inner arm 12a includes a hook structure 20, the hook structure 20 selectively engaging an associated step structure 22 (fig. 2) fabricated on the sheet metal 18 inboard of the sheet metal 18, thereby securing the elongate body structure 12 to the sheet metal 18. The elongated body structure 12 and the elongated seal structure 16 include any number and configuration of

resilient flanges

24a, 24b (fig. 2), 24c (fig. 2), 26a that are adapted to contact the sheet metal 18, the vehicle window, and/or each other, respectively. These

resilient flanges

24a, 24b, 24c, 26a may be integrally formed with the inner and

outer arms

12a, 12b of the elongate body structure 12 and the elongate seal structure 16, or they may be separate components coupled to the inner and

outer arms

12a, 12b of the elongate body structure 12 and the elongate seal structure 16. Preferably, the elongate seal structure 16 and associated resilient flange 26a are deflectable toward the elongate body structure 12 and associated resilient flange 24 a. Each end of the elongated body structure 12 and the elongated trim structure 16 may also terminate in a suitable end cap or structure 28 (fig. 1), providing a final appearance.

Disadvantageously, conventional outer waist seals 10 are susceptible to loosening and failure due to lateral forces in the Y direction caused by movement of surrounding components due to vehicle motion and/or ultraviolet heating and/or other reasons. These lateral forces in the Y direction cause the outer lumbar seal 10 to rotate about the pivot point 30 in three different regions; a dummy-panel area (see fig. 3), a window area (see fig. 4), and a capping area (see fig. 5). In all of these regions, the lateral force in the Y-direction causes the outer waist seal 10 to rotate about the pivot point 30, and the hook structure 20 (fig. 1 and 2) of the inner arm 12a (fig. 1 and 2) of the outer waist seal 10 may disengage from the associated step structure 22 (fig. 2) of the thin metal plate 18 (fig. 2). The resilient flanges 24a (fig. 1 and 2), 24b (fig. 2), 24c (fig. 2), 26a (fig. 1 and 2) may also be displaced. As a result, the outer waist seal 10 may loosen and/or fall out, and the difficulty of installing a new outer waist seal by hand is unacceptable.

Disclosure of Invention

In various exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides an improved outer waist seal that is easily installed by hand, uses less than 50N of force, does not loosen when flexed due to relative movement of surrounding components due to vehicle motion and/or uv heating and/or other reasons, and is relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture. The outer lap seal can be assembled to the vehicle efficiently despite tolerance variations and remains securely installed in the presence of lateral forces in the Y direction that are typically present due to interaction with the window in the capping region. These transverse forces are only used to further secure the outer waist seal in place.

Typically, the outer waist seal comprises an elongate body structure fabricated from a rigid or semi-rigid polymeric material or the like. The elongated trim structure is coupled to or integrally formed with an exterior portion of the elongated body structure and is made of a rigid or semi-rigid polymer or metallic material or the like. An elongate sealing structure is coupled to or integrally formed with an interior portion of the elongate body structure and is made of a flexible or semi-rigid elastomeric or polymeric material or the like. As is conventional, the elongated trim structure provides the final appearance of the vehicle, and the elongated seal structure abuts the window of the vehicle, the elongated body structure bridging the gap between the sheet metal panel of the vehicle and the window. The elongated body structure includes inner and outer arms disposed about an edge of the thin metal sheet. Here, the inner arm includes one or more longitudinal friction structures, lips, rails and/or channels or one or more longitudinally arranged holes adapted to be engaged by a plurality of gripping structures selectively arranged in a plurality of transverse slots or holes made into a thin metal sheet longitudinally along its edge, thereby securing the elongated body structure to the thin metal sheet. Also, the elongated body structure and the elongated seal structure include any number and configuration of resilient flanges adapted to contact the sheet metal panel, the vehicle window, and/or each other. These resilient flanges may be integrally formed with the inner and outer arms of the elongate body structure and the elongate seal structure, or they may be separate components coupled to the inner and outer arms of the elongate body structure and the elongate seal structure. Preferably, the elongate seal structure and associated resilient flange are deflectable towards the elongate body structure and associated resilient flange. Each end of the elongated body structure and the elongated trim structure may also terminate in a suitable end cap or structure to provide a final appearance, as is conventional.

In one exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure provides an outer lap seal assembly for a vehicle including an outer body panel, the outer lap seal assembly comprising: an elongate body structure adapted to be disposed about an edge of the outer body panel and comprising an inner arm adapted to be disposed on an inner side of the outer body panel and an outer arm adapted to be disposed on an outer side of the outer body panel, wherein the inner arm comprises one or more of a friction structure, a lip, a track, a channel and a hole disposed on or through an inner surface thereof; and a clip structure adapted to be secured in one or more of a slot and a hole defined adjacent an edge of the outer body panel and engage one or more of the friction structure, lip, rail, channel and hole provided on or through an inner surface of an inner arm of the elongate body structure to secure the elongate body structure to the outer body panel. The outer waist seal assembly further comprises an elongated trim structure coupled to or integrally formed with the elongated body structure on an outboard side of the elongated body structure. The outer lumbar seal assembly also includes an elongate seal structure coupled to or integrally formed with the elongate body structure on an inboard side of the elongate body structure. The outer waist seal assembly further comprises one or more resilient flanges coupled to or integrally formed with one or more of the inner arm of the elongated body structure, the outer arm of the elongated body structure, and the elongated seal structure. The gripping structure comprises a hook structure adapted to engage one or more of the friction structure, lip, rail, channel and aperture disposed on or through the inner surface of the inner arm of the elongate body structure. The clamp structure further includes a base structure adapted to be secured within one or more of a slot and a hole defined adjacent an edge of the outer body panel. The clamp structure is adapted to prevent rotation of the elongated body structure relative to the outer body panel when a lateral force in the Y-direction is applied to the elongated body structure.

In another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure provides an exterior body panel assembly for a vehicle, the exterior body panel assembly comprising: an outer body panel defining one or more of a slot and a hole adjacent an edge thereof; wherein one or more of the slots and holes are adapted to receive the clamp structure, the clamp structure being adapted to engage one or more of a friction structure, lip, rail, channel, and hole disposed on or through an inner surface of an inner arm of an elongated body structure, thereby securing the elongated body structure to the outer body panel; and wherein the edge of the outer body panel is adapted to receive an inner arm of the elongate body structure on an inner side of the outer body panel and an outer arm of the elongate body structure on an outer side of the outer body panel. The elongated body structure includes an elongated trim structure coupled to or integrally formed with the elongated body structure on an exterior side of the elongated body structure. The elongate body structure also includes an elongate seal structure coupled to or integrally formed with the elongate body structure on an inboard side of the elongate body structure. The edge of the outer body panel is further adapted to receive one or more resilient flanges coupled to or integrally formed with one or more of the inner arm of the elongated body structure and the outer arm of the elongated body structure. The gripping structure comprises a hook structure adapted to engage one or more of the friction structure, lip, rail, channel and aperture provided on or through an inner surface of an inner arm of the elongate body structure. One or more of the slots and holes are adapted to receive a base structure of the clamp structure. One or more of the slots and holes, in conjunction with the base structure of the clamp structure, are adapted to prevent rotation of the elongate body structure relative to the outer body panel when a lateral force in the Y-direction is applied to the elongate body structure.

In another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure provides a door assembly for a vehicle, the door assembly including: an outer body panel defining one or more of a slot and a hole adjacent an edge thereof; and an outer lap seal assembly coupled to the outer body panel, the outer lap seal assembly comprising: an elongate body structure adapted to be disposed about an edge of the outer body panel and comprising an inner arm adapted to be disposed on an inner side of the outer body panel and an outer arm adapted to be disposed on an outer side of the outer body panel, wherein the inner arm comprises one or more of a friction structure, a lip, a track, a channel and a hole disposed on or through an inner surface thereof; and a clip structure adapted to be secured in one or more of the slots and holes defined adjacent an edge of the outer body panel and engage one or more of the friction structure, lip, rail, channel and hole provided on or through an inner surface of an inner arm of the elongate body structure to thereby secure the elongate body structure to the outer body panel; wherein the clamp structure is adapted to prevent rotation of the elongate body structure relative to the outer body panel when a lateral force in the Y direction is applied to the elongate body structure. The door assembly also includes an elongated trim structure coupled to or integrally formed with the elongated body structure on an exterior side of the elongated body structure. The door assembly also includes an elongate sealing structure coupled to or integrally formed with the elongate body structure on an interior side of the elongate body structure. The door assembly still further includes one or more resilient flanges coupled to or integrally formed with one or more of the inner arm of the elongated body structure, the outer arm of the elongated body structure, and the elongated sealing structure. The gripping structure comprises a hook structure adapted to engage the one or more of the friction structure, lip, rail, channel and aperture provided on or through an inner surface of the inner arm of the elongate body structure. The clamp structure further includes a base structure adapted to be secured in one or more of the slots and holes defined adjacent an edge of the outer body panel.

Drawings

The disclosure is illustrated and described herein with reference to the accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals are used to refer to like assembly components/method steps, where appropriate, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a conventional outer waist seal;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a conventional outer waist seal coupled to a thin metal panel of a vehicle;

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a conventional outer waist seal coupled to a thin metal panel of a vehicle and undesirably pivoting in an associated false panel area under a transverse force in the Y-direction;

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a conventional outer lap seal coupled to a thin metal panel of a vehicle and undesirably pivoted in an associated window area under a lateral force in the Y-direction;

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of a conventional outer lap seal coupled to a thin metal panel of a vehicle and undesirably pivoted in an associated cap region under a transverse force in the Y-direction;

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the outboard waist seal assembly of the present disclosure coupled to a thin metal panel of a vehicle;

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a clamp structure of the outboard waist seal assembly of the present disclosure coupled to a thin metal panel of a vehicle;

FIG. 8 is another partial perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a clamp structure of the outboard lap seal assembly of the present disclosure coupled to a thin sheet metal panel of a vehicle; and

fig. 9 is another partial perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a clamp structure of an outer waist seal assembly of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Again, in various exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides an improved outer waist seal that is easy to install by hand using less than about 50N of force, that does not loosen when flexed due to relative movement of surrounding components caused by vehicle movement, uv heating, etc., and that is relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture. The outer lap seal can be assembled to the vehicle efficiently despite tolerance variations and generally remains securely mounted in the presence of lateral forces in the Y direction resulting from interaction with the window in the capping region. These transverse forces are only used to further secure the outer waist seal in place.

Typically, the outer waist seal comprises an elongate body structure made of a rigid or semi-rigid polymeric material or the like. The elongated trim structure is coupled to or integrally formed with an exterior portion of the elongated body structure and is made of a rigid or semi-rigid polymer or metallic material or the like. The elongate sealing structure is coupled to or integrally formed with an interior portion of the elongate body structure and is made of a flexible or semi-rigid elastomeric or polymeric material or the like. The elongated trim structure provides the final appearance of the vehicle, and the elongated seal structure abuts the window of the vehicle, while the elongated body structure bridges the gap between the sheet metal panel of the vehicle and the window, as is conventional. The elongate body structure includes inner and outer arms disposed about the edge of the sheet metal panel. Here, the inner arm includes one or more longitudinal friction structures, lips, rails and/or channels or one or more longitudinally arranged holes adapted to be engaged by a plurality of gripping structures selectively provided in a plurality of transverse slots or holes made longitudinally into the sheet metal along the edge thereof, thereby securing the elongated body structure to the sheet metal. The elongated body structure and elongated seal structure also include any number and configuration of resilient flanges adapted to contact the sheet metal panels, the vehicle window, and/or each other. These resilient flanges may be integrally formed with the inner and outer arms of the elongate body structure and the elongate seal structure, or they may be separate components coupled to the inner and outer arms of the elongate body structure and the elongate seal structure. Preferably, the elongate sealing structure and associated resilient flange are deflectable towards the elongate body structure and associated resilient flange. As is conventional, each end of the elongated body structure and elongated trim structure may also terminate in a suitable end cap or structure to provide a final appearance.

Referring now specifically to fig. 6, in one exemplary embodiment, the outer waist seal 110 comprises an elongate body structure 112 fabricated from a rigid or semi-rigid polymeric material or the like. Typically, the elongate body structure 112 has a length that substantially corresponds to the length of the base of, for example, an associated vehicle window or the like. The elongated trim structure 114 is coupled to or integrally formed with an exterior portion of the elongated body structure 112 and is made of a rigid or semi-rigid polymeric or metallic material or the like. The elongated trim structure 114 has a length that substantially corresponds to the length of the elongated body structure 112. The elongate seal structure 116 is coupled to or integrally formed with an interior portion of the elongate body structure 112 and is made of a flexible or semi-rigid elastomeric or polymeric material or the like. The elongated sealing structure 116 has a length that substantially corresponds to the length of the elongated body structure 112 and the elongated trim structure 114. The elongated trim structure 114 provides the final appearance of the vehicle, and the elongated seal structure 116 abuts the associated window of the vehicle, while the elongated body structure 112 bridges the gap between the sheet metal panel 118 of the vehicle and the window, as is conventional. Thus, the outer lap seal 110 is a multi-part or unitary structure that effectively seals the gap between the sheet metal 118 of the outer body panel and the associated window, which provides the final appearance while allowing movement and/or some degree of flexing of the window. The elongate body structure 112 includes an inner arm 112a and an outer arm 112b disposed about the edges of the thin metal plate 118. In the exemplary embodiment shown, inner arm 112a is substantially longer than outer arm 112b, and outer arm 112b may be substantially shorter. The inner arm 112a includes one or more longitudinally disposed apertures 150 or one or more longitudinal friction structures, lips, rails and/or channels adapted to be engaged by a plurality of clip structures 152 selectively disposed in a plurality of transverse slots or apertures 154 made into the thin metal plate 118 longitudinally along the edge of the thin metal plate 118 to secure the elongated body structure 112 to the thin metal plate 118. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the clip structure 152 is secured in a vertical slot 154 fabricated into the thin metal plate 118 and includes a hook structure 156 that engages a longitudinal ridge and channel 150 fabricated onto the inner surface of the inner arm 112a of the elongated body structure 112. Here, the inner arm 112a extends down almost the entire length of the vertical slot 154 along the edge of the thin metal plate 118, and has a generally tapered wedge shape. Of course, other suitable configurations may be used.

The elongated body structure 112 and the elongated seal structure 116 may also include any number and configuration of

resilient flanges

124a, 124b, 126a adapted to contact the sheet metal 118, the vehicle window, and/or each other, providing the desired resilient sealing properties. These

resilient flanges

124a, 124b, 126a may be integrally formed with the inner and

outer arms

112a, 112b of the elongate body structure 112 and the elongate seal structure 116, or they may be separate components coupled to the inner and

outer arms

112a, 112b of the elongate body structure 112 and the elongate seal structure 116. Preferably, the elongate seal structure 116 and associated resilient flange 126a are deflectable toward the elongate body structure 112 and associated resilient flange 124 a. In the illustrated example embodiment, when the elongate seal structure 116 is deflected by the vehicle window toward the elongate body structure 112, the resilient flange 126a of the elongate seal structure 116 contacts the resilient flange 124a of the elongate body structure 112, with both

flanges

126a, 124a collectively sealing the gap between the vehicle window and the thin metal plate 118. The resilient flange 124b of the outer arm 112b of the elongate body structure 112 provides a contact seal with the thin metal plate 118 along the lower edge of the outer arm 112 b. It should be noted that the sheet metal/outer body panel 118 described herein may utilize a single layer or multiple adjacent or separate layers, the latter forming a prismatic structure. Further, the outer body panel 118 need not be a thin sheet metal, but other metallic/non-metallic materials may also be used.

As is conventional, each end of the elongated body structure 112 and the elongated trim structure 114 may also terminate in a suitable end cap or structure, providing a final appearance.

Fig. 7-9 illustrate the clip structure 152 and the rectangular channel 154 (fig. 7 and 8) of the outer body panel 118 (fig. 7 and 8) in greater detail. Here, the clamp structure 152 includes a rectangular base structure 152a and a coupled retaining arm 152b, the rectangular base structure 152a substantially conforming to the shape of the associated rectangular slot 154, and the coupled retaining arm 152b providing a desired retaining spring force to the inner arm 112a (fig. 6) of the elongate body structure 112 (fig. 6) when the elongate body structure 112 is engaged with the outer body panel 118. The retaining arm 152b includes a hook structure 156, the hook structure 156 securely engaging the retaining structure 150 (fig. 6) fabricated into the inner surface of the inner arm 112a of the elongate body structure 112. The hook structure 156 may have an inwardly biased (biased) bend and/or taper at its top to facilitate insertion of the inner arm 112a into the retaining arm 152b during assembly of the elongate body structure 112 onto the edge of the outer body panel 118. Preferably, the rectangular base structure 152a includes one or more inner edge flanges 158a and one or more outer edge flanges 158b (fig. 7 and 9), and when the rectangular base structure 152a is disposed through and into an associated rectangular slot 154, the rectangular base structure 152a cannot pass completely through the rectangular slot 154 or retract from the rectangular slot 154, respectively. In the exemplary embodiment shown, deflectable locking tabs 160 are provided to "snap lock" the rectangular base structure 152a into the rectangular slot 154, thereby providing a releasable securement between the two components. It is contemplated herein that the clip structure 152 is fabricated from a hard plastic or metal material, however, the retention arm 152b and the deflectable locking tab 160 should be elastically deformable to an extent such that they may provide the desired retention spring force and be actuatable, respectively.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other suitable slot and clamping configurations may be equally employed. For example, the rectangular slots 154 may be replaced by holes, with a series of such holes arranged longitudinally along the edge of the outer body panel 118. Similarly, a longitudinal channel may be used that would allow the adjacent clamp structure 152 to translate along the edge of the outer body panel 118. The rectangular base structure 152a of the clamp structure 152 may have any suitable shape and/or size, and alternative flange and retaining configurations may be utilized. For example, rather than being removably attached to the outer body panel 118, the clamp structure 152 may be welded or otherwise bonded to the outer body panel 118.

Thus, again, in various exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides an improved outer waist seal that is easily installed by hand using a force of less than about 50N, does not loosen when flexed due to vehicle movement and/or uv heating and/or other reasons, and is relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture. The outer lap seal can be assembled to the vehicle efficiently despite tolerance variations and remains securely installed in the presence of lateral forces in the Y direction that are typically present due to interaction with the window in the capping region. These transverse forces are only used to further secure the outer waist seal in place.

Typically, the outer waist seal comprises an elongate body structure fabricated from a rigid or semi-rigid polymeric material or the like. The elongated trim structure is coupled to or integrally formed with an exterior portion of the elongated body structure and is made of a rigid or semi-rigid polymeric material, a metallic material, or the like. The elongate sealing structure is coupled to or integrally formed with an interior portion of the elongate body structure and is made of a flexible or semi-rigid elastomeric or polymeric material or the like. The elongated trim structure provides the final appearance of the vehicle, and the elongated seal structure abuts the window of the vehicle, while the elongated body structure bridges the gap between the sheet metal panel of the vehicle and the window, as is conventional. The elongate body structure includes inner and outer arms disposed about the edge of the sheet metal panel. Here, the inner arm includes one or more longitudinal friction structures, lips, rails, and/or channels or one or more longitudinally arranged holes adapted to be engaged by a plurality of gripping structures selectively disposed in a plurality of transverse slots or holes made into the sheet metal longitudinally along the edge of the sheet metal to secure the elongated body structure to the sheet metal. Likewise, the elongated body structure and the elongated seal structure include any number and configuration of resilient flanges adapted to contact the sheet metal panel, the vehicle window, and/or each other. These resilient flanges may be integrally formed with the inner and outer arms of the elongate body structure and the elongate seal structure, or they may be separate components coupled to the inner and outer arms of the elongate body structure and the elongate seal structure. Preferably, the elongate seal structure and associated resilient flange are deflectable towards the elongate body structure and associated resilient flange. As is conventional, each end of the elongated body structure and elongated trim structure may also terminate in a suitable end cap or structure, providing a final appearance.

Although the disclosure is illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments may perform similar functions and/or achieve similar results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, thus are contemplated, and are intended to be covered by the following non-limiting claims for all purposes.

Claims

1. An outer lap seal assembly (110) for a vehicle including an outer body panel (118), said outer lap seal assembly (110) comprising:

an elongated body structure (112) adapted to be disposed about an edge of the outer body panel (118) and including an inner arm (112a) adapted to be disposed on an inner side of the outer body panel (118) and an outer arm (112b) adapted to be disposed on an outer side of the outer body panel (118), wherein the inner arm (112a) includes one or more of a friction structure, a lip, a rail, a channel, and an aperture (150) disposed on or through an inner surface thereof; and

a clip structure (152) adapted to be secured in one or more of a slot and a hole (154) defined adjacent an edge of the outer body panel (118) and engage one or more of the friction structure, lip, rail, channel and hole (150) disposed on or through an inner surface of an inner arm (112a) of the elongate body structure (112) to secure the elongate body structure (112) to the outer body panel (118).

2. The outer waist seal assembly (110) of claim 1, further comprising an elongated trim structure (114), the elongated trim structure (114) being one of coupled to the elongated body structure (112) on an outboard side of the elongated body structure and integrally formed with the elongated body structure (112).

3. The outer waist seal assembly (110) of claim 1, further comprising an elongated seal structure (116), the elongated seal structure (116) being one of coupled to the elongated body structure (112) on an inboard side of the elongated body structure (112) and integrally formed with the elongated body structure (112).

4. The outer waist seal assembly (110) of claim 3, further comprising one or more resilient flanges (124a, 124b, 126a) coupled to and integrally formed with one or more of the inner arm (112a) of the elongated body structure (112), the outer arm (112b) of the elongated body structure (112), and the elongated seal structure (116).

5. The outer waist seal assembly (110) of claim 1, wherein the clip structure (152) comprises a hook structure (156) adapted to engage one or more of the friction structure, lips, rails, channels and apertures (150) disposed on or through an inner surface of an inner arm (112a) of the elongated body structure (112).

6. The outboard waist seal assembly (110) of claim 1, wherein said clamp structure (152) includes a base structure (152a), said base structure (152a) adapted to be secured in one or more of said slots and apertures (154) defined adjacent an edge of said outer body panel (118).

7. The outboard waist seal assembly (110) of claim 1, wherein said clamp structure (152) is adapted to prevent rotation of said elongated body structure (112) relative to said outer body panel (118) when a lateral force in the Y-direction is applied to said elongated body structure (112).

8. An exterior body panel assembly for a vehicle, the exterior body panel assembly comprising:

an outer body panel (118) defining one or more of a slot and a hole (154) adjacent an edge thereof;

wherein one or more of the slots and apertures (154) are adapted to receive a clip structure (152), the clip structure (152) being adapted to engage one or more of a friction structure, a lip, a rail, a channel, and an aperture (150) disposed on or through an inner surface of an inner arm (112a) of an elongate body structure (112) to secure the elongate body structure (112) to the outer body panel (118); and

wherein the edge of the outer body panel (118) is adapted to receive an inner arm (112a) of the elongated body structure (112) on an inner side of the outer body panel (118) and an outer arm (112b) of the elongated body structure (112) on an outer side of the outer body panel (118).

9. The exterior body panel assembly of claim 8, wherein the elongated body structure (112) includes an elongated trim structure (114), the elongated trim structure (114) being one of coupled to the elongated body structure (112) on an outboard side of the elongated body structure (112) and integrally formed with the elongated body structure (112).

10. The outer body panel assembly of claim 8, wherein the elongated body structure (112) includes an elongated seal structure (116), the elongated seal structure (116) being one of coupled to the elongated body structure (112) on an inboard side of the elongated body structure (112) and integrally formed with the elongated body structure (112).

11. The outer vehicle body panel assembly of claim 8, wherein the edge of the outer vehicle body panel (118) is further adapted to receive one or more resilient flanges (124a, 124b, 126a), the one or more resilient flanges (124a, 124b, 126a) being one or more of coupled to and integrally formed with one or more of the inner arm (112a) of the elongated body structure (112) and the outer arm (112b) of the elongated body structure (112).

12. The outer body panel assembly of claim 8, wherein the clip structure (152) includes a hook structure (156), the hook structure (156) adapted to engage one or more of the friction structure, lip, rail, channel, and aperture (150) disposed on or through an inner surface of an inner arm (112a) of the elongated body structure (112).

13. The external body panel assembly of claim 8, wherein one or more of the slots and apertures (154) are adapted to receive a base structure (152a) of the clip structure (152).

14. The external vehicle body panel assembly of claim 13, wherein one or more of the slots and apertures (154), in conjunction with the base structure (152a) of the clamp structure (152), are adapted to prevent rotation of the elongated body structure (112) relative to the external vehicle body panel (118) when a lateral force in the Y-direction is applied to the elongated body structure (112).